Turkish Airlines has officially resumed its direct flights to Mombasa, Kenya, after a five-year hiatus, marking a significant step in enhancing air connectivity between Turkey and the Kenyan coastal city. The inaugural flight arrived at Moi International Airport on October 26, 2023, at 4:20 AM, greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute, celebrating the renewal of this vital air link.
The announcement was made by Turkish Airlines, expressing excitement over reconnecting travelers with Mombasa’s beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant culture. The airline will operate three weekly flights, offering 8 tons of cargo capacity, which is expected to boost trade and exports from the coastal region.
Attending the welcome ceremony were dignitaries such as Subutay Yüksel, the Turkish Ambassador to Kenya, and Caleb Kositany, Chairman of the Kenya Airports Authority, alongside officials from both organizations. Governor Abdulswamad Nassir highlighted this development as a major victory for the local tourism and logistics sectors, following his discussions with Oguzcan Yerli, the Turkish Airlines General Manager, earlier in the year.
Governor Nassir conveyed his enthusiasm for the resumption, stating, “Mombasa is open to the world, and as its leadership, we are committed to building global connectivity that brings opportunities closer to our people.”
Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, is renowned for its extensive network, serving 352 destinations worldwide, and flying to more nonstop locations than any other airline from a single hub. It has been a part of the Star Alliance network since 2008 and has a versatile fleet, including 24 cargo aircraft for its Turkish Cargo division.
Additionally, the resumption of flights coincides with the anticipated entry of other airlines, such as Qatar Airways, planning to launch direct routes to Mombasa in collaboration with Kenya Airways, further enhancing travel options to this attractive destination.
Overall, the return of Turkish Airlines to Mombasa not only signals a renewed commitment to tourism and trade but also heralds a new chapter of opportunity and growth for the region.